Hi all,

 

I'll be moving to the Peoria, Illinois area this coming Summer from Florida, where I've lived and bass fished my whole life.  As there are some stark differences in the fishing between the two states, I'm looking for any advice/spots to fish in the area.  I'll most likely be using a kayak most of the time.  Through my own research, I've found places like Banner Marsh, Spring Lake (both North and South), Powerton Lake, Rice Lake, and Peoria Lake, just to name a few.  I mostly target largemouth, but would love to catch some smallmouth as well.

 

What do you guys usually throw at various times of the year?

Any particular laws/rules regarding the fishing I should be aware of? (I've gone over various Illinois govt websites to ensure I avoid a run-in with the man)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Can't help with anything in Illinois, but hi and welcome aboard!

 

You'll get plenty of help from those-who-know, soon enough  

Banner Marsh is pretty much like any other weedy lake, t rigs, spinner baits, etc.  Powerton is a cooling lake and I don't think you're allowed to use a kayak on it.  Spring lake has good numbers of musky. Peoria lake is just part of the illinois river which is overrun with carp.  Google the Peoria carp hunters and on YouTube.  Only I think might be illegal is Alabama rigs.  Also if you ever get a boat, most central illinois lakes are 25hp max.

Banner Marsh for sure. closest thing you will get to Florida up here. In all honesty, the best advice I can give you is stay I  florida. Our taxes are insane and if you want to fish you will have to walk on ice 4 months out of the year.